Calendar of Events

Opening reception April 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; artists’ talks at 6:30 p.m.

COMMA (COMe Make Art) is a plein air art group that has met weekly in the summer at University of Tennessee Gardens since 2004. Founders were art teachers Gay Nell Gray and Cheri Jorgenson. They are joined in this exhibit by members and retired art teachers Judy Jorden, Shelley Mangold and Owen Weston; current art teachers Caitlyn Seidler and Jackie Wright; and teaching artist Nancy Campbell. COMMA members' artwork is either created in or inspired by images from the gardens. Each artist works in a preferred medium, whether color pencil, pastel, watercolor, acrylics, photography, clay or mixed media. Some work is created on site in the gardens, and some is created in the studio using sketches or images from the gardens. The artists are inspired by the beauty and diversity of the UT Gardens and the friendship and camaraderie they share.

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Gallery hours: M-Th 10-5, Su 10-1. Information: 865-523-4176, www.tvuuc.org

By Steven Dietz, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and William Gillette
Directed by Patrick McCray

Winner of the 2007 Edgar Award for Best Mystery Play

The world's greatest detective has seemingly reached the end of his remarkable career when a case presents itself that is too tempting to ignore: The King of Bohemia is about to be blackmailed by a notorious photograph, and the woman at the heart of this crime is the famous opera singer, Irene Adler. With his trusted companion, Doctor Watson, at his side, Sherlock Holmes pursues first the case, and then the affections of Miss Adler—and in doing so, marches right into the lair of his longtime adversary, that malevolent genius of crime: Professor Moriarty.

In this spirited, fast-moving and thoroughly theatrical adaptation, Steven Dietz presents Holmes at the height of his powers—surrounded by all the elements that fans of his exploits have come to expect: danger, intrigue, wit, humor and surprise. "The game is afoot, Watson—and it is a dangerous one!"

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 319 North Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

Encore Theatrical Company is proud to present the powerful and compelling drama “Time Stands Still.” Written by Donald Margulies, this play will be presented for two weekends only April 21-30 at the Rose Center.

“Time Stands Still” tells the story of Sarah, a war photojournalist, and James, a foreign correspondent. Both are trying to find happiness in a world that seems to have gone crazy. Theirs is a partnership based on telling the toughest stories and making a difference in the world through their work. But when their own story takes a sudden turn, the adventurous couple confronts the prospect of a more conventional life.

After surviving a roadside bomb in a war-torn country, Sarah, a returns home to recuperate, yet eager to return to work. James begins to question their dangerous occupations and ponders a more conventional life for them. His life-changing questions are deepened when their long-time editor and friend, Richard, introduces his fiancé, a decidedly younger woman who helps Richard see the world anew. Will Sarah acquiesce, lowering her camera in order to face the world?

Please note that this production contains strong language and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Performances of “Time Stands Still” run for two weekends April 21-30. Evening performances are April 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 8:00 p.m. and matinees on April 23 and 30 at 2:00 p.m. There will be a special preview performance on Thursday, April 20 which will be “Pay What You Can” night beginning at 8:00 p.m. There will also be a special talkback session with the cast following the first matinee on April 23.

All performances will be held at the Rose Center, located at 442 W. Second North Street in Morristown. There will be bar service at the evening performances, and doors open 45 minutes before the performance.

Tickets are available online at www.etcplays.org or by calling 423-318-8331.
The Rose Center, 442 West Second North St., Morristown, TN, 37814. Hours: M-F 9-5. Information: 423-581-4330, www.rosecenter.org

The eighth annual Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival is set for April 21-23, 2017, at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend. The weekend event, organized by the Townsend Artisan Guild, offers over 40 instructional classes by fiber arts professionals, family activities, demonstrations, live animal displays such as Angora rabbits, sheep and goats, and the always-popular Marketplace of Vendors. Scheduled are 34 vendors from East and Middle Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Indiana, and North Carolina.

Nearly half of the 40 classes are new for 2017. These include more extensive instruction on crochet, including crocheting socks and Get Squared lace, mosaic, and double knitting; Southwest and Russian spindles; fiber fusion; plant based dyeing; weaving; e-commerce for the artist and more. Eleven popular instructors are returning, including Geri Forkner, and three instructors new to the event. Visit www.smokymountainfiberartsfestival.org for a complete list of classes including the new and returning classes and instructors.

Among the new programs in 2017 are Girl Scout and Youth Workshops, including outdoor art, drawing and Textile Art for “Seniors”, ages 15-16. While designed for Girl Scout groups, these programs are open to all youth. All interested youth are asked to register early as the number of participants is limited. Visit www.townsendartisanguild.org/girl-scout---youth-programs.html. At the Textile Artist Badge Workshop, participants will interview a fiber artist who works with natural fibers, and learn how they are modernizing traditional techniques; examine different types of fleece and how fleece becomes thread, then fabric for clothing or for art. Collect samples, and develop a chat about their origin, texture, dye, and use. Up to Steps 1-2 will be completed for the Textile Artist badge.

Questions and inquiries may be addressed by contacting the Townsend Artisan Guild at townsendartisanguild@gmail.com or by calling 865-448-0859. Class registration and further information is available on www.smokymountainfiberartsfestival.org.

By Robert Ward. The Crucible is a timely and historical snapshot of the powerful force that comes from a conviction of lies and hysteria, and the deadly aftermath of those convictions in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692.

Friday, April 21, 2017 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 2:30 PM and 8:00 PM
Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 2:30 PM

Tickets can be purchased at the Tennessee Theater Box Office, 224 Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN or by calling (865)-684-1200 ext 2, or (800)745-3000, or through ticketmaster.com

At the Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-974-5678, http://www.music.utk.edu/opera/

Gather around the hair salon with six fierce ladies of the south. Robert Harling's comedy not only reminds us all of the power of friendship, but also reveals the beauty, tragedy, and hilarity that life offers. In the spirit of the queen of the Smokies herself, Dolly Parton, who was in the Oscar nominated film, a portion of ticket sales will go towards the "My People" fund, which aids those who continue to recover from the fires that tore through the Smoky Mountains. Steel Magnolias will be directed by Michael McMahan.

7:30 - Thurs., Fri. and Sat.
2:00 - Sat. and Sun.

At Second Harvest Foodbank Showroom, 136 Harvest Ln, Maryville, TN 37801. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online via PayPal. Foothills Community Players' Box Office opens 1 hour prior to event. Tickets are available to purchase below for $15.00 + $1.00* processing fee.

Foothills Community Players: 865-712-6428, www.foothillscommunityplayers.com

Adapted by Mark Brown. From the Novel by Jules Verne.

“Bursting with imagination, this exuberant whistle-stop tour through Verne is a trip worth making.” The Stage

The intrepid Phileas Fogg with his loyal valet, Passepartout, voyage from Victorian London through the Indian subcontinent, to Asia and across the Pacific to America on a wager that he will return in precisely 80 days. Literally, a theatrical tour-de-force.

Pay What You Wish Preview night on April 19

Clarence Brown Mainstage, 1714 Andy Holt Ave on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. For information: 865-974-5161, www.clarencebrowntheatre.com. For tickets: 865-974-5161, 865-656-4444, www.knoxvilletickets.com

Theme : South of the River, Live, Work, Play
We seek to recognize local South of the River Artist, and while preference will be given to South Knoxville Artists, all local artists are welcome to apply. The show will Open April 16th with a reception May 12th 5-8 p.m. for Vestival, and officially end on May 13th. Approximately 25 – 35 pieces will be selected for display in the historic marble showrooms.

Candoro Marble Arts & Heritage Center, 4450 Candora Drive, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-577-0078, www.candoromarble.org

APRIL 14, 15, 21, 22 AT 7:30 P.M. and APRIL 23 AT 2 P.M.

Pellissippi State Community College theatre students will premiere their own original, one-act plays April 14-15 and 21-23. The collection of plays, entitled "One's Night," will be held in the Clayton Performing Arts Center, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students, available at the door or online at www.pstcc.edu/tickets.

"We hope the community enjoys this special evening of never-before-seen and original short plays written, directed by and starring Pellissippi State theatre students," said Pellissippi State professor and theatre program director Charles R. Miller. "Each of these one-act plays is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication -- and is an incredible display of the talents and creativity of our students."

The evening will include the original one-act plays "The Stubborn Artichoke and the Pompous Potato," written by Olivia Webb; "Lauren Spencer is Ready to Die," by Cypress Wade; "Serve and Protect," by DeSean Blevins; "Alexandra," by Jeremy Law and "Dominant Women," by Olivia Webb.

"One's Night" is part of The Arts at Pellissippi State, an annual arts series that includes music and theatre performances, cultural celebrations, lectures and fine arts exhibits.

The visual work of L&N STEM Academy's junior and senior art students includes everything from digital pieces to graphite and watercolor renderings. Enjoy this impressive collection through the month of April at Ijams!

Ijams' Visitor Center is open Monday – Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Grounds and trails open during daylight hours. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Exhibiting April through June will be Nashville based painter Catrina Long. Join us for a First Friday Artist's Reception on April 7th from 5:30– 8:00.

Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center, 1127 Broadway Suite B, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-523-1401, www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation/arts

On your way downtown to Rhythm and Blooms, stop by and celebrate "Big (EYES) Festival" with us. Broadway Studios and Gallery proudly presents artist Charlesey Charlton-McCallister in her solo exhibit entitled "Interrupted Signal." In this exhibit Charlesey displays abstract work dealing with digital media as a way to make the viewer contemplate it's role in our society.

Under a festival TENT we will have ethereal music by guitar god, Laith Keilany. Asian food will be provided by the popular Oishii Food Truck. And inspirational works of poerty will be recited by Sundress Academy of Art, featuring Jennie Frost and Erin Elizabeth Smith. All is FREE except for food. Parking is free and on site.

The event opens "First" Friday April 7th from 5-9pm. All ages are welcome.

Broadway Studios and Gallery, 1127 Broadway St, Knoxville, TN 37917. Hours: Thurs-Sat, 11-7. Information: 865-556-8676, www.BroadwayStudiosAndGallery.com